Wine challenge game using wine charms as game pieces

ABSTRACT

A party game that incorporates wine charms to identify the reader and answerer of wine-related questions is provided. The identified wine charm is defined by the roll of a game die, and players associated with identified wine charms read and answer wine-related questions in an attempt to amass all of the wine charms. The dual purpose of the wine charms (to identify participants and their wine glasses) enables players to flow between actively playing the game and socializing with others not in the game.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/686,259, filed 18 Jun. 2018, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to method of playing games and, more particularly, to a wine challenge game using wine charms as game pieces.

At parties where people are enjoying wine, it is not uncommon for each wine glass to have a marker or charm enabling individuals to identify their wine glass from the wine glasses of the other party goers.

Also, at these parties, there may be party games for the party goers to enjoy. Such party games, however, can be difficult to both play and continue to socialize because these games require a player's full attention and ongoing interaction to play the game, and so either one plays and stays engaged, or discontinues playing to socialize.

Furthermore, many wine drinkers would like to increase their knowledge of wine, but the breadth of information about wine and the long history of wine as well as the perception that wine culture can be pretentious sometimes deters such learning.

In short, no game exists where players learn about wine while drinking wine socially and playing competitively using wine charms.

As can be seen, there is a need for a wine challenge game using wine charms as game pieces. The present invention combines wine socializing with a game where players can walk away from the game while still being an active player, thereby enabling party-goers to drink wine socially while learning more about wine at different levels of complexity, yet play competitively at the same time.

The present invention embodies a plurality of wine charms/decorative wine glass markers, each providing a different image—in certain embodiments, the charm images include a cork, a champagne flute, grapes, a wine glass, a cork screw, and a barrel. It should be understood that the wine charms and associated charm images need not be indicia of wine culture, but may be simple colors or shapes in order for the present invention to function accordingly herein, as long as the wine charms and charm images match.

There may be two of each charm for a total of twelve charms. Each wine charm will have a charm fastener dimensioned and adapted to fit around the stem of a wine glass. In some embodiments, the charm fastener may be a ring with an opening for attaching to the stem of the wine glass. Each charm fastener may provide a hook to removably attach the wine charm piece. Separately, the wine charms can be used without playing the game to identify an individual's wine glass.

A small deck (2.5 inch by 3 inch) of challenge cards may show difficulty on one side (taster and sommelier) while the opposing side has one question at the top of the card and the possible answers below (the correct answer may be bolded, in red, or the like). Challenge cards can be read and questions answered for conversation without using the wine charms. The combination of the wine charms and challenge cards allows dice to be used to create a fun, competitive game which teaches the participant about wine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a method of incorporating wine glass markers into a party game, includes the following: providing a plurality of wine glasses; providing a plurality of wine glass markers having at least two different styles of wine glass markers; providing a plurality of challenge questions; operatively associating one of the plurality of wine glass markers to each wine glass; providing an identifying mechanism configured to identify one of the plurality of wine glass markers; providing the following steps: (a) operating the identifying mechanism to identify a reader wine glass marker, wherein a reader is defined as possessing the wine glass operatively associated with the reader wine glass marker; and (b) operating the identifying mechanism a second time to identify an answering player, wherein the answering player possesses the wine glass operatively associated with the wine glass marker identified by the identifying mechanism the second time, wherein the reader reads one of the plurality of challenge questions, and wherein if the answering player correctly answers said challenge question the answering player operatively associates the reader wine glass marker to the wine glass of the answering player.

In another aspect of the present invention, the method of incorporating wine glass markers into a party game includes the following: providing a plurality of wine glasses; providing a plurality of wine glass markers having at least two different styles of wine glass markers; providing a plurality of challenge questions; operatively associating one of the plurality of wine glass markers to each wine glass; providing an identifying mechanism configured to identify one of the plurality of wine glass markers, wherein the identifying mechanism has a multi-sided game die having a different charm image on two or more sides of the multi-sided game die; providing the following steps: (a) operating the identifying mechanism to identify a reader wine glass marker, wherein a reader is defined as possessing the wine glass operatively associated with the reader wine glass marker; and (b) operating the identifying mechanism a second time to identify an answering player, wherein the answering player possesses the wine glass operatively associated with the wine glass marker identified by the identifying mechanism the second time, wherein the reader reads one of the plurality of challenge questions, and wherein if the answering player correctly answers said challenge question the answering player operatively associates the reader wine glass marker to the wine glass of the answering player, wherein if the answering player incorrectly answers said challenge question the answering player becomes a subsequent reader and step (b) is performed, wherein if two or more wine glasses are operatively associated with the wine glass marker identified by the identifying mechanism the second time, then a challenge off is provided; the challenge off includes reading one of the plurality of challenge questions and a first of the two or more individuals associated with said two or more wine glasses answering said challenge question first becomes the reader; and step (b) is performed, and wherein a winner is defined by a wine glass of the plurality of wine glasses having the most wine glass markers operatively associated therewith after repeating steps (a) and (b) a selective amount of times.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a wine charm attached by way of a charm fastener to a wine glass;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a plurality of wine charms; and

FIG. 3 shows various views of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, including a game die 2 b, a plurality of charm images 2 a associated with the sides of the game die 2 b, a challenge card 3 showing the card's front portion 3 a and back portion 3 b, and a card-carrying case 4 for retaining said game die 2 b and challenge card 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a party game that incorporates wine charms to identify the reader and answerer of wine-related questions. The identified wine charm is defined by the roll of a game die, and players associated with identified wine charms read and answer wine-related questions in an attempt to amass all or a majority of the wine charms. The dual purpose of the wine charms (to identify participants and their wine glasses) enables players to flow between actively playing the game and socializing with others not in the game while retaining the ability to identify their wine glass.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the present invention may include a plurality of wine charms 1, a game die 2 b having a charm image 2 a on each facet or side of the die 2 b wherein each charm image 2 a is a representation of one of the plurality of wine charms, a plurality of challenge cards 3, wherein each challenge card 3 has a face portion 3 a defining a difficulty level and a rear portion 3 b providing a wine-related question and answer, and in certain embodiments, a game carrying case 4.

A method of playing the game may include the following. The setup provides that each player gets a wine charm 1 and removably fastens it to the stem of their wine glass 6 by way of a charm fastener 5. In certain embodiments, the game includes twelve wine charms 1 (a pair of six wine charm 1), thereby enabling twelve players per game. It being understood that there could be not just pairs or doubles of wine charms, but triplets or quadruples of wine charms 1, as long has the present invention is played as disclosed herein. Each die 2 b may be six-sided, wherein each side has a different charm image 2 a on each side, each charm image 2 a provides a representation of one of the plurality of wine charms 1. It should be understood that the game embodied by the present invention may be played with a game die 2 b having more or less than six sides or may be played with a spinner rather than the game die 2 b or other mechanism for randomly identifying a matching wine charm 1.

To start the game, a player rolls the game die 2 b and the player whose charm image 2 a matches the rolled face of the game die 2 b becomes the reader of the relevant challenge card 3. If there are fewer than six players, and a six-sided game die 2 b is being used, the game die 2 b may be thrown until the rolled face matches a wine charm 1 of one of the players. If there are more than six players, there will be players that have the same wine charm 1. When there are two players with the same charm 1, the roller may select a challenge card 3 and read it to the two players and the first one to answer the challenge correctly will decide which player will be the reader.

The reader then rolls the game die 2 b, thereby identifying the answering player whose charm 1 matches the rolled face of the die 2 b. The answering player selects a challenge card 3 that may be retrievably stored inside the carry case 4, and the reader reads the challenge question from the rear portion 3 b, which the answering player attempts to answer. Each challenge card 3 has two levels of difficulty (basic=taster and advanced=sommelier). The challenge card 3 question is read out loud by the reader and the answering player selects an answer from the possible choices. If the answering player is correct, the answering player collects the wine charm 1 from the reader and now has another wine charm 1 and becomes the reader. This would leave the reader either without a wine charm 1—and thus no longer playing the game—or with one less wine charm 1 but still playing the game. If the answering player is wrong, then the answering player becomes the reader but does not lose their wine charm 1 and rolls the game die 2 b.

If there are two players with the same wine charm 1 that matches the rolled charm image 2 a—thus two potential answering players—there may be a “challenge off” where a challenge card 3 basic question is read out loud and the first player that answers the question correctly will collect the other challenge-off participant's wine charm 1. If both players give the correct answer, then there is another “challenge off” where an advanced question is read. The “challenge off” continues until there is only one player with that wine charm 1. The winning player of the “challenge off” becomes the reader and now has at least two of the same wine charms 1, and proceeds to roll the game die 2 b and then the party to find the answering player with the wine charm 1 that matches the thrown charm image 2 a. The reader may carry the compact game carry case (containing the game die 2 b and the plurality of challenge cards 3) until passing to the next reader. This pattern of play continues while players sip their wine and socialize until their associated wine charm 1 matches the thrown or rolled face of the game die 2 b, then they are pulled back into the game. If a player has a wine charm 1 but is not ready to reenter the game when their wine charm 1 matches the rolled face of the game die 2 b, then the reader will roll again to find an answering player whose wine charm 1 matches the rolled face of the game die 2 b. Throughout the game, the player who answers the challenge question correctly, collects a wine charm 1 from the reader and if the player is wrong, they keep their wine charm(s) 1 and become the reader, unless there is a “challenge off” as described above. When a player collects all the wine charms 1 from those playing the game, then they win the game. If there are players that have a wine charm 1 but decide to discontinue playing the game, those individuals become inactive players and the wine charm 1 on their glass is considered a decorative identifier. If the game ends before a player collects all of the wine charms 1, the person with the most wine charms 1 is the winner.

The wine charms are both decorative identifiers on the wine glass independent of the game as well as player game pieces. The game die 2 b is the game piece that links players who may be currently socializing at the party to the game through their associated wine charms 1, potentially pulling party goers into the active game if they so choose. The challenge cards 3 are educational and fun facts about wine and may be used independently for conversation. During game play, the challenge cards 3 questions are read by the reader and answered by the answering player, who would collect the reader's wine charm 1 if answering the challenge question correctly, but importantly the wine charm game allows players to socialize until their wine charm 1 is selected by the thrown game die 2 b. A wine social gathering can pair well with the game since the challenge questions delve into wine topics such as types of wine grape varietals, food pairing, wine type tastings, geographical origin/region, and tools commonly used with wine.

In sum, for each charm image 2 a thrown on the game die 2 b, there will be a reader who identifies an answering player by also rolling the game die 2 b. The answering person will attempt to answer the selected challenge question of the challenge card 3 read by the reader. Throughout the game, the player who answers the challenge card 3 question correctly, collects the wine charm 1 from the reader though if the answering player is wrong, they keep their wine charm(s) 1, but become the reader. If there are two players with the same wine charm 1 when identifying the reader at the beginning of the game, the roller may select a challenge card 3 and read it to the two players and the first one to answer the challenge correctly will decide which player will be the initial reader. If there are two players with the same wine charm 1 when identifying the answering player, such players will do a “challenge off” until there is one player with said same wine charm 1. The “challenge off” winner becomes the reader and the previous reader keeps their wine charm 1. The reader/player relationship continues until all the wine charms 1 are collected by one person or if the game discontinues early, then the player with the most wine charms 1 becomes the winner.

The Wine Charm Challenge will increase knowledge of wine, engage attendees in social interaction, and create fun at a social gathering. People will learn about various aspects of wine in an educational, competitive, and interactive manner while enjoying wine and the game in a social setting.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of incorporating wine glass markers into a party game, comprising: providing a plurality of wine glasses; providing a plurality of wine glass markers comprising at least two different styles of wine glass markers; providing a plurality of challenge questions; operatively associating one of the plurality of wine glass markers to each wine glass; providing an identifying mechanism configured to identify one of the plurality of wine glass markers; providing the following steps: (a) operating the identifying mechanism to identify a reader wine glass marker, wherein a reader is defined as possessing the wine glass operatively associated with the reader wine glass marker; and (b) operating the identifying mechanism a second time to identify an answering player, wherein the answering player possesses the wine glass operatively associated with the wine glass marker identified by the identifying mechanism the second time, wherein the reader reads one of the plurality of challenge questions, and wherein if the answering player correctly answers said challenge question the answering player operatively associates the reader wine glass marker to the wine glass of the answering player.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein if the answering player incorrectly answers said challenge question the answering player becomes a subsequent reader and step (b) is performed.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: wherein if two or more wine glasses are operatively associated with the wine glass marker identified by the identifying mechanism the second time, then a challenge off is provided; the challenge off comprises reading one of the plurality of challenge questions and a first of the two or more individuals associated with said two or more wine glasses answering said challenge question first becomes the reader; and step (b) is performed.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifying mechanism comprises a multi-sided game die having a different charm image on two or more sides of the multi-sided game die.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein a winner is defined by a wine glass of the plurality of wine glasses having the most wine glass markers operatively associated therewith after repeating steps (a) and (b) a selective amount of times.
 6. A method of incorporating wine glass markers into a party game, comprising: providing a plurality of wine glasses; providing a plurality of wine glass markers comprising at least two different styles of wine glass markers; providing a plurality of challenge questions; operatively associating one of the plurality of wine glass markers to each wine glass; providing an identifying mechanism configured to identify one of the plurality of wine glass markers, wherein the identifying mechanism comprises a multi-sided game die having a different charm image on two or more sides of the multi-sided game die; providing the following steps: (c) operating the identifying mechanism to identify a reader wine glass marker, wherein a reader is defined as possessing the wine glass operatively associated with the reader wine glass marker; and (d) operating the identifying mechanism a second time to identify an answering player, wherein the answering player possesses the wine glass operatively associated with the wine glass marker identified by the identifying mechanism the second time, wherein the reader reads one of the plurality of challenge questions, and wherein if the answering player correctly answers said challenge question the answering player operatively associates the reader wine glass marker to the wine glass of the answering player, wherein if the answering player incorrectly answers said challenge question the answering player becomes a subsequent reader and step (b) is performed, wherein if two or more wine glasses are operatively associated with the wine glass marker identified by the identifying mechanism the second time, then a challenge off is provided; the challenge off comprises reading one of the plurality of challenge questions and a first of the two or more individuals associated with said two or more wine glasses answering said challenge question first becomes the reader; and step (b) is performed, and wherein a winner is defined by a wine glass of the plurality of wine glasses having the most wine glass markers operatively associated therewith after repeating steps (a) and (b) a selective amount of times. 